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7 June 2020

Here's how it works: The Recent Releases chart brings together critical reaction to new albums from more than 50 sources worldwide. It's updated daily. Albums qualify with 5 reviews, and drop out after 6 weeks into the longer timespan charts.

10.0 |
The Skinny

At once incredibly forward-looking and reassuringly familiar Beams will feel like an album you've already spent a lifetime with, and can only cement Dear's reputation as one of the finest songwriters in modern electronic music
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10.045279

10.0 |
music OMH

Listening to this record is an experience that is as rewarding as it is exhausting. Beams is an uncompromising, forceful and darkly beautiful album from a formidable musical talent
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9.045438

9.0 |
DIY

It is rare for a musician previously thought of as challenging and slightly impenetrable to pen an album that is so warm and opening yet still dazzlingly inventive, however it is something Matthew Dear has pulled off to tremendous effect
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9.045570

9.0 |
No Ripcord

A cohesive album that makes me want to dance completely trumps what was essentially a medley and some flashing lights
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9.045606

9.0 |
PopMatters

With Beams, Matthew Dear has created his most intoxicating, accomplished and immediate paean to all that has come before him and everything that now stands in front of him
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8.045619

8.0 |
hhv.de mag

Matthew Dear sounds more than ever like Bowie and Eno, two of his biggest idols
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8.045597

8.0 |
Consequence Of Sound

Regardless of the name its created under, you’ve got yourself a truly unified, coherent record
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8.0 |
Clash

8.0 |
BBC

His years as a dance producer have given him the facility to take one riff or bassline on a four- or five-minute journey which, due to clever dynamics and Dear’s gift for melodic vocal chants, ends up sounding like a pop song
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8.045282

8.0 |
Mojo

Dancefloor intrigue from techno man of mystery. Print edition only

8.045284

8.0 |
Q

Anyone mourning the demise of LCD Soundsystem should find their ears pricking up during the first song. Print edition only

7.8 |
Paste Magazine

7.8 |
Beats Per Minute

There might be a grand metaphor for America’s ongoing crisis of conscience in our post-Patriot Act national hangover, but frankly, I’ll be having too much fun enjoying this album to care
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7.545730

7.5 |
The Line Of Best Fit

Beams is the sound of an artist slowly edging out of the darkness and into the light
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7.546165

7.5 |
Tone Deaf

Another ambitious and engaging trip into the multi-faceted ‘headcage’ of its creator
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7.545609

7.5 |
Under The Radar

A piece of work to be admired and, given the kaleidoscopic myriad of influences mentioned here, it's clear that this is something that stands on its own merits
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7.545527

7.5 |
A.V. Club

Dear’s voice might be heavy and his music might be dark, but he believes in the light
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7.345516

7.3 |
Pitchfork

It feels like a victory lap, extending some of the best ideas from his strong recent run without improving on any of them
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7.045352

7.0 |
Drowned In Sound

There's no doubt that the familiarity of Dear's style after several records means Beams has to work a bit harder to hold your attention than previous efforts
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7.045336

7.0 |
Prefix

Matthew Dear continues to occupy an exciting spot on the contemporary music grid; those who are still smarting over James Murphy's retirement might do well to turn to Dear to fill that neo-disco void
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6.545341

6.5 |
Bowlegs

His vocals are generally processed into that low rasping octaved configuration, which is one of the important elements that gives his sound a peculiar identity
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